Plot Data Checklist

Edit 0 29 …
List of steps to be taken from arrival at a plot to departure

Team working on this: Bethany (Please add/ take out items you feel are necessary!)

PRIOR TO DEPARTURE TO PLOT
  • Collect necessary equipment (Field Kit)
  • Review the plot photos you are measuring that day and see what information you can fill out before you go
    • ex. plot ID #, initials, land use, etc...
  • Review ALL materials:
    • Be sure both team members are familiar with directions (depending on the site, bring mapquest or Umstead trail maps, etc)
    • Review contact history if property owner was contacted (Be familiar with resident's names, etc...)
    • Be familiar with Field Safety Team information
  • Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return
<<george 4 Feb>> I think we should have a single person in charge of checking people in and out - a safety master - do we have a volunteer?


IN THE FIELD
  • Depending on the site, attempt to contact property owner if appropriate (residential, small business, etc...)
  • If property owner is not there, leave the door tag letter (in Field Kit)
    • Important to leave letter on door before measurements begin, that way if the owner comes home while your running around in their backyard they have some warning.
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TAKE DATA MEASUREMENTS (reference UFORE field guide- data collection procedures begin on pg. 8)
  1. Establish plot center
  2. Place cardinal and semi-cardinal markers
  3. Establish references to permanent fixtures
    • Distance
    • Direction
    • Useful to draw a brief diagram of where reference points are located on the data sheet
  4. Determine % tree canopy cover
  5. Determine % shrub cover
    • Anything woody and under 1 inch DBH is considered a shrub
  6. Determine % land cover
    • tar, cement, duff/mulch, etc.
  7. Gather tree information data
    1. Starting at due north and working in a clockwise fashion, number all trees with chalk
    2. Direction from plot center to tree
    3. Distance from plot center to tree
    4. Species identification
      • If unknown, attempt to "key out" using key provided in the Field Kit, after one attempt and still unknown, clip twig and take a picture.
      • Put tree ID number on the ziploc bag provided, identify picture on data sheet
    5. DBH
    6. Crown Diameter
      • North-South
      • East West
    7. Light Exposure
    8. Height to top of tree
    9. Height to crown base
    10. Ground Slope
    11. Is is a street tree?
      • yes or no
    12. Direction/Distance to buildings

*Especially on the first few plots, it is a good idea to recheck your measurements by discussing differences with your partner and "eyeing" things. i.e. after tree heights are calculated, stop a minute and just look to see whether or not your measurements are appropriate. If you are measuring a stand of trees that appear to be similar in height, but you are getting big differences in your measurements, something is wrong.*
AFTER MEASUREMENTS ARE COMPLETE/ DEPARTURE

  • Double-check that you have all of the appropriate measurements and units are assigned to every number
  • Make sure there are no blank spaces on your data sheets (Mark a line through boxes with no data)
  • Put your datasheets away somewhere safe
  • Remove all pin flags and tape
  • Clean up any messes/trash
  • If appropriate, let property owner know you are departing
  • Double-check to make sure everything is back in your field kit
  • Let your safety contact know you are leaving the site, and where you are going next


BACK AT THE "OFFICE"

  • Let your safety contact know you have returned

GET YOUR MEASUREMENTS TO MARY, DATA COLLECTION MANAGER!!**
  • Keep a separate backup copy of your data (george will supply Mary with a wolfcopy card)